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Manchester United and Liverpool renew their rivalry this weekend it is the 180th such league meeting between the pair – only nine fixtures have been more commonly played in EFL history.
Since a 1-0 loss at Anfield in January 2016, Liverpool has gone undefeated in six home league meetings against Manchester United (W3 D3). This is their longest home winning streak against the Red Devils since a nine-game streak between 1970 and 1979. Liverpool has only conceded once in their last seven home games against the Red Devils in all competitions, including three straight clean sheets most recently.
With a stunning comeback win over West Ham on Wednesday and a quarterfinal FA Cup spot secured, United theoretically remains in the running on all four fronts this season. After eliminating Barcelona in a heavyweight play-off match, they now face Real Betis in a two-legged Europa League last-16 matchup.
United are currently third and 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal in the league heading into the weekend after back-to-back wins, but only six behind second-place City with a game in hand. They have a four-point advantage over Tottenham in fourth and are eight points clear of League Cup final opponents Newcastle in fifth.
By contrast, Liverpool have endured a difficult season that has fallen short of expectations, though did manage to climb to sixth and within six points of the top four after seeing off Wolves in midweek. Their inconsistent play has been on full display over the past few weeks, with impressive victories over Everton and Newcastle sandwiched between their FA Cup exit at Brighton, dreadful beating at Wolves, tedious draw with struggling Crystal Palace, and blowing a two-goal lead at home in a 5-2 Champions League thrashing by Real Madrid.
TEAM NEWS
The absence of all of Thiago Alcantara, Luis Diaz, Joe Gomez, and Calvin Ramsey from Liverpool’s lineup should come as no surprise. Naby Keita’s injury will need to be evaluated.
As he improves his match fitness, Arthur Melo’s wait for his first Premier League appearance also continues, but Klopp is still faced with a number of healthy selection challenges, none more so than in attack, where Diogo Jota was a livewire against Wolves but may not be considered for a third consecutive start in a week; Cody Gakpo may therefore return.
Mason Greenwood is still not being considered for a return to first-team exercises, and Man United also has other definite absences, including Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Christian Eriksen.
Luke Shaw (knee) and Jadon Sancho (sickness) were both absent from the FA Cup victory over West Ham, but they shouldn’t be out for long and will work to be available for the trip to Old Trafford. If Tyrell Malacia can demonstrate his fitness, Shaw will replace him.
Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Marcus Rashford are all expected to make their first-team debuts after being benched in midweek. Rashford looks to join Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ruud van Nistelrooy as the only Man United players to score in six straight Premier League games.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Liverpool wins: 80
Man United wins: 90
Draws: 68
Liverpool Premier League form:
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Liverpool form (all competitions):
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Manchester United Premier League form:
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Manchester United form (all competitions):
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